Do Facemasks Leave You With a ‘Horrendous’ Acne?

Face mask wearers are opening up about dealing with an unpleasant side effect of the protective coverings – pimples and blemishes that have prompted the rise of a new skincare term: ‘maskne’.

Dozens of people have taken to social media in recent weeks to complain about how their skin is responding to face masks, while dermatologists are reporting a huge rise in the number of cases of mask-induced acne.

Now, experts have revealed to DailyMail.com exactly why face masks cause your skin to flare up, while also sharing how you can treat and prevent ‘maskne’ in the coming weeks, as more and more people step out with their faces covered in midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

WHAT IS ‘MASKNE’?

Maskne is a new term that has been coined to describe an increase of blemishes and zits that is caused by wearing a face mask, and tends to only affect the parts of the face that are covered by the protective gear.

According to celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau – who counts Lili Reinhart and Demi Lovato among her clientele – the type of blemishes that are caused by mask wear are known as acne mechanica.

‘The only difference between acne mechanica and regular acne is the cause; while regular breakouts tend to be hormonally-driven, acne mechanica is caused by friction (a physical disruption to the skin),’ she explained to DailyMail.com

‘When something is constantly rubbing up against your skin, the combination of friction, heat, and pressure can be a trigger for breakouts.’

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee – AKA Dr. Pimple Popper – explained that ‘occlusion’ is the main cause of maskne. In other words the humidity and the heat that occurs under the mask while you are wearing it blocks your pores and increases the chances of a breakout.

‘The mask, the humidity under there, the oil produced on your skin, also compounded by the fact that you’re wearing makeup under there will promote the blocking / occlusion of your pores and increase the chances of a breakout,’ she said.

‘Also the actual mask pushing on your skin is physically occluding your skin directly. Perfect storm for a pimple. If you already have pretty oily skin you’re probably halfway there.’

Renee added that the friction caused between the mask and your skin is also to blame for increased breakouts, noting: ‘The friction responsible for acne mechanica is also the culprit behind most irritation caused by protective face masks.

‘In fact, red, bumpy, rashy skin is a common precursor to acne mechanica. All of these are also signs of inflammation, which can wake up your skin’s pigment cells and cause lingering pigmentation long after the erythema (redness) has subsided.

‘When an object is consistently being rubbed across your skin, it can also disrupt your protective moisture barrier. If something is rubbing against your skin all day, it can create tiny blemishes.’

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT AND TREAT ‘MASKNE’?

Avoid wearing makeup under your mask

One of the main things that Dr. Lee recommends is to avoid wearing makeup under your mask at all costs. She explains that you can still apply cosmetic products above the mask line, but any skin that is covered by the material should be left free from any makeup.

‘This may be weird at first as it was for me to get accustomed to, since it’s not usual for you to only put foundation on your upper part of your face, and likely there’s such a routine like applying blush and lipstick – you should do away with this while you are wearing a mask,’ she said.

‘Also this soils the inside of your mask, and will certainly necessitate you cleaning it more often.’

Clean your face as soon as your take off your mask – and prioritize chemical exfoliants

Even if you can’t wash your face immediately, Dr. Lee suggests using something ‘easy and convenient’ to cleanse the skin when you remove your mask.

She explained that you can use wipes to clean your skin on-the-go before you are able to get to a sink and wash your face.

Dr. Lee added that focusing on products that contain chemical exfoliants will help to tackle any existing blemishes, while also preventing any additional spots.

‘Use a resurfacing wipe like my SLMD Skincare Resurfacing Acne Swipes ($35) which contain glycolic and salicylic acid, effective exfoliants to keep the skin clean and importantly keep the pores clear of excess oil, dead skin, and debris,’ she said.

‘Chemical exfoliants like glycolic, salicylic, lactic acid are key during these moments.’

Renee agrees about the importance of acids when it comes to treating ‘maskne’, saying: ‘Work a serum with salicylic acid into your routine two to three nights a week. Salicylic acid is unique in that it has the ability to cut through oil and really get into your pore lining.’

Implement a proper nighttime skincare routine

Renee explains that cleansing and treating your skin properly every evening is incredibly important.

She urges anyone suffering with ‘maskne’ to cleanse their face before bed, and also consider using a face mask that specifically targets blemishes and clogged skin.

‘Properly cleansing your face before bed is always important,’ she said.

‘Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle, antimicrobial face wash that contains ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree extract.

‘After cleansing, use a face masque like the Rapid Response Detox Masque ($65.50). Its antimicrobial properties kick in after just five minutes while hydrating ingredients soothe the skin to counteract friction caused by wearing a face mask.’

Use natural antibacterial ingredients

Renee added that you should also look for products that contain natural antibacterials.

‘Wipe an antibacterial toner like the Rapid Response Detox Toner ($41.50) over the affected area once or twice a day,’ she said. ‘Look for ingredients like salicyclic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, and manuka leaf extract.’

Wash your face covering as often as possible

‘If you’re wearing a bandana, scarf, or reusable cloth mask when you go out, be sure to wash it regularly,’ Renee urged.

‘Not only is this the best practice for good hygiene, but it will also prevent oil and dirt from being reintroduced onto the skin.’